“We have a lot more work to do, but we’ve changed the way people see Kinston … the South, southern foods and agriculture,” Howard said. “It’s a product of [A Chef’s Life] that I’m really proud of, for people to have a sense of pride in themselves. It’s such a tremendous gift.”

Howard addressed the packed house at NC State’s Stewart Theater as a community – not an audience – and spent most of her time that evening answering questions and engaging in conversations with folks who had traveled from throughout the state to meet her.

“In order for us to have healthy food systems and a healthy population, we have to have pride in who we are and where we come from,” Howard said. “That’s what I’m going to continue to work toward.”